by Chuck Sommers
Saturday, Jan 15, 2022
Time: 2 p.m. ET
Venue: Allen Fieldhouse, Lawrence, KS
Where to watch: CBS
Opening Odds at USA Sportsbooks
DraftKings: Kansas -11.5
BetMGM: Kansas -11.5
Caesars: Kansas -11.5
Season record
West Virginia: 13-2 (2-1 Big 12)
No. 9 Kansas: 13-2 (2-1 Big 12)
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West Virginia - Kansas preview, analysis and prediction
I don't blame you if you have reservations over picking the Kansas Jayhawks for Saturday's matchup against the West Virginia Mountaineers.
It's not really the loss to Texas Tech that's sort of thrown me into uncertainty, but rather the game after at home against Iowa State.
I understand Iowa State is a good team and we shouldn't read too much into Kansas winning by only one point against the Cyclones. What makes me concerned for the Jayhawks is to respond by only winning by one point, at home, after getting embarrassed by Texas Tech.
When it comes to Bill Self's team, you expect a pattern of consistency. I'm not sure that's there right now off a 62-61 win. Ochai Agbaji scored more than one-third of Kansas' points with 22 to go with seven rebounds, while the Jayhawks led the way with nine blocks.
"I would have called timeout (for the final offensive play), but Och had the ball," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "Och drove it in to force a crease. That's about as good you can do in that situation. Defensively, we did a good job getting back. (Kalscheur) got a good look, but he just missed it."
The only reason why I'm taking the Jayhawks is that there's no reason why it should be three straight games of problems for KU. Even though West Virginia is off to a great start by going 13-2 and winning four of five, this game being at Allen Fieldhouse is critical.
Kansas is still very good at home and is off to an 8-0 start this season. If you're taking Kansas on a parlay or taking moneyline, I'd be more comfortable. The Mountaineers are getting 11.5 at some books and while they're only 8-7 against the spread so far, their defense could be in line for a fun game against the Jayhawks.
West Virginia allows 61.3 points per game and will present a tough test against a Kansas offense that is near the top of the Big 12 at 81.7 points per game. The WVU offense is the biggest problem: The Mountaineers only average a shade under 70 points a game and were held to just 59 in the loss to Texas on New Year's Day.
Kansas' defense has held teams to below 70 points in their past four wins and have won by double digits in two of them. I get the hesitancy but don't worry about this one. Kansas will win and get a narrow cover because it's the Jayhawks at home, and that should knock West Virginia down a peg. Kansas by 17
It's not really the loss to Texas Tech that's sort of thrown me into uncertainty, but rather the game after at home against Iowa State.
I understand Iowa State is a good team and we shouldn't read too much into Kansas winning by only one point against the Cyclones. What makes me concerned for the Jayhawks is to respond by only winning by one point, at home, after getting embarrassed by Texas Tech.
When it comes to Bill Self's team, you expect a pattern of consistency. I'm not sure that's there right now off a 62-61 win. Ochai Agbaji scored more than one-third of Kansas' points with 22 to go with seven rebounds, while the Jayhawks led the way with nine blocks.
"I would have called timeout (for the final offensive play), but Och had the ball," Kansas coach Bill Self said. "Och drove it in to force a crease. That's about as good you can do in that situation. Defensively, we did a good job getting back. (Kalscheur) got a good look, but he just missed it."
The only reason why I'm taking the Jayhawks is that there's no reason why it should be three straight games of problems for KU. Even though West Virginia is off to a great start by going 13-2 and winning four of five, this game being at Allen Fieldhouse is critical.
Kansas is still very good at home and is off to an 8-0 start this season. If you're taking Kansas on a parlay or taking moneyline, I'd be more comfortable. The Mountaineers are getting 11.5 at some books and while they're only 8-7 against the spread so far, their defense could be in line for a fun game against the Jayhawks.
West Virginia allows 61.3 points per game and will present a tough test against a Kansas offense that is near the top of the Big 12 at 81.7 points per game. The WVU offense is the biggest problem: The Mountaineers only average a shade under 70 points a game and were held to just 59 in the loss to Texas on New Year's Day.
Kansas' defense has held teams to below 70 points in their past four wins and have won by double digits in two of them. I get the hesitancy but don't worry about this one. Kansas will win and get a narrow cover because it's the Jayhawks at home, and that should knock West Virginia down a peg. Kansas by 17
Betting trends
West Virginia is 10-3 ATS the past three seasons after two straight games with 12 assists or less.
West Virginia is 4-1 ATS this season off two straight home games.
Kansas is 7-7 ATS as a favorite this season.
Kansas is 26-0 straight up as a home favorite of 10 or more the past three seasons.
Projected starting lineup
West Virginia:
PG: Kedrian Johnson
SG: Sean McNeil
SF: Jalen Bridges
PF: Taz Sherman
C: Isaiah Cottrell
SF: Jalen Bridges
PF: Taz Sherman
C: Isaiah Cottrell
Kansas:
PG: Remy Martin
SG: Dajuan Harris Jr.
SF: Ochai Agbaji
PF: Christian Braun
C: David McCormack
SF: Ochai Agbaji
PF: Christian Braun
C: David McCormack
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Chuck Sommers
About the Author:
Chuck Sommers has camped outside of sportsbooks since he can remember, learning the tricks and nuances of the trade. He still has nightmares of betting $5,000 on the Raiders in the Tuck Rule game but has since turned that to 25 years of veteran handicapping greatness. You can find him mostly in the shadows at the Red Rock or Aliante casinos wondering if the over is cashing on any given Sunday.
